Martin Kaymer and his caddy, Craig Connely, have parted company ahead of this week’s re-formatted Volvo World Matchplay Championship at Finca Cortesin GC in Spain. The Scot had been on the bag of the current World Number Three throughout his 2010 purple patch, including his first major victory at last summer’s USPGA Championship.

The German, who has struggled in recent months to rediscover the form that saw him rise to the summit of the world rankings in the early stages of this season, made it clear that the split, though unequivocal, was not to be seen as an indictment of Connely’s ability:

“Obviously Craig and me [sic], we had a fantastic year together,” he continued…

“I just felt like I needed a change. It has nothing really to do with Craig – he’s a fantastic guy and he’s been a good caddie for me.”